Japan 14-Day Grand Tour
Two weeks, one arc: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Osaka — the full Golden Route plus the Kansai depth most trips never reach.
Trip overview
- The complete Golden Route plus Himeji
- Miyajima with a Mount Misen hike
- A second Kyoto day most trips skip
Best time to visit
October–November is ideal for two weeks of walking. Spring (late March–April) is glorious but needs 4–6 months of hotel lead time.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Tokyo — Arrive
- 🏮16:00Asakusa dusk & early night
- 🏮
Day 2 · Tokyo — Old East
- 🏯08:30Senso-ji & Ueno Park
- 🚶16:00Yanaka backstreets
- 🏯
Day 3 · Tokyo — Modern West
- ⛩️09:00Meiji, Harajuku, Shibuya
- 🍶19:00Shinjuku izakaya night
- ⛩️
Day 4 · Tokyo — Center & Bayside
- 🍣08:30Tsukiji breakfast & Ginza
- 🎨15:00Odaiba or teamLab
- 🍣
Day 5 · Hakone — Onsen Night
- 🚢10:00Hakone loop
- ♨️17:00Ryokan kaiseki & onsen
- 🚢
Day 6 · Kyoto — Higashiyama
- 🚄11:00Shinkansen to Kyoto
- 🛕15:00Yasaka & Kiyomizu at golden hour
- 🚄
Day 7 · Kyoto — Dawn & Bamboo
- ⛩️07:00Fushimi Inari at dawn
- 🎋11:30Arashiyama
- ⛩️
Day 8 · Kyoto — Deep Temples
- 🏯09:00Kinkaku-ji's golden pavilion
- 🍢13:00Nijo Castle & Nishiki Market
- 🏯
Day 9 · Nara Day Trip
- 🦌09:00Todai-ji & the deer
- 🍵16:00Return via Uji's tea houses
- 🦌
Day 10 · Hiroshima
- 🚄10:00Shinkansen west
- 🕊️14:00Peace Park & museum
- 🚄
Day 11 · Miyajima
- ⛩️08:30Floating torii & Mount Misen hike
- 🚢17:00Back to Hiroshima
- ⛩️
Day 12 · Himeji Stop & Osaka
- 🏯09:30Himeji Castle — Japan's finest
- 🐙16:00On to Osaka & Dotonbori dinner
- 🏯
Day 13 · Osaka
- 🦑09:30Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market
- 🍢18:00Kushikatsu in Shinsekai
- 🦑
Day 14 · Departure
- ✈️10:00Last errands & airport
- ✈️
Budget
Estimated total cost: 1,450 USD for 14 days.
Includes accommodation, local transport, food, and activities. International flights not included.
Travel tips
- October–November is ideal for two weeks of walking. Spring (late March–April) is glorious but needs 4–6 months of hotel lead time.
- Carry local currency for small eateries and street food; cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak season.
- Use public transit where possible — most stops in Tokyo are tourist-friendly.
Recommended restaurants
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